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U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is studying a possible reduction of its military presence in Germany, with a decision expected “over the next short period of time.”
“The United States is studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany, with a determination to be made over the next short period of time,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Trump did not provide further details on the possible reduction.
Trump’s comments came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the U.S. on Monday for lacking an “exit strategy” in the Iran war.
Merz said Americans were being “humiliated” by the Iranian regime during talks and pointed to Iraq and Afghanistan as warnings against entering wars without exit strategies.
Trump responded Tuesday by criticizing Merz on Truth Social.
“The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about!” Trump said.
“I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations or Presidents should have done long ago,” he added. “No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both economically and otherwise!”
Merz later said his personal relationship with Trump remained “good” from his perspective.
Earlier Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a phone call to discuss Iran, the security situation in the region and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Wadephul said Merz’s comment about the U.S. was meant as a warning to Iran to negotiate seriously.
“This was a clear warning to Tehran not to misunderstand the whole situation,” Wadephul told German broadcaster DW.
He added that the current cease-fire should push Iran to reach an agreement rather than delay negotiations.
The U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against U.S. allies in the Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation.
Talks in Islamabad on April 11-12 did not reach an agreement.
Trump later said the truce had been extended at Pakistan’s request pending a proposal from Tehran.
The U.S. Armed Forces maintain a major military presence in Germany, with around 37,000 American troops stationed there.
About 40 U.S. military facilities are active across different parts of Germany.
Ramstein Air Base, U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and Spangdahlem Air Base are among the most prominent U.S. military assets in Germany.
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